Combined toothbrush and casing



A118- 25, 1952 H. E. CARLSON 2,608,293

' COMBINED TooTHBRusHAND cAsING Filed oct. 15, 1948 FIG. 7

FIG. 6

31B 52B` 23B j i ff `z4a \2/ A INVENTOR. HENRY E cARLspN BY 197' 70E/YE Y.

Patented Aug. 26, 1952 UNITEDV s'nx'rlszsv PATENT OFFICE Henry E. Carlson, New Britain, Conn.

Application October 15, 1948, Serial No. 54,605

This invention relates-to tooth brushes and, more particularly, that general type wherein the brush has associated therewith a protective casing adapted to hygienically house the bristled head of the brush when the latter is not in use and to expose the brush and serve as a convenient handle therefor when it is desired to use the brush. Brushes' of this broad genus have long been known andtheobject of the present invention is to provide a more convenient construction, economical to manufacture and more efficient in its operation.-

The brush of this invention is generally characterized by a construction wherein the brush body, consisting of a, bristled head and an integral handle, is substantially conventional, being modied only to the extent `necessary to properly cooperate with the novel form of the casing of this invention. The casingis slidable on the brush proper sc that it may be moved from a position wherein it'conceals and encloses the head of the brush to a `position adjacent the free end of the handle, and mutually interdependent locking vmeans are formed on the handle and casing to permit of the locking of these parts together when the casing ispinretracted position on the handle.

The casing embodies numerous novel features hereinafter more particularly described. One of these novel features resides in pivotally mounting portions of one or morewalls of the casing to function as one or more hinged covers and that pivotal movementof these covers will open the casing to penmit it to be moved from one position to another on the brush body. These pivoted covers carry the locking'means so that, when `the covers are v'swung into open position to move the casing `onthe brush body, the casing will be automatically'unlocked for such movement. The said covers are spring pressed so that they normally partake of closed positions but they are provided with finger pieces whereby they may be opened against such springv pressure at the will of the user.

Features of .theinvention other than those 11 Claims. (Cl. 20G-15.1)

according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side viewA showing Asuch casing moved to a position on the handle, to ready the article for use. v

Fig. 3 is a side View of the casing with the head of the tooth brush enclosed, a portion of one Wall of the casing being broken away.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the casing with the head of the tooth brush enclosed, showing the covers of the casing fully opened. i

Fig'. 5 is afragmental transverse section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 2, showing certain locking projections of the covers in engagement with complementary depressions in the lateral edges of the brush handle. Y

Fig. 6 is a transverse section, taken on line S-S of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a transverse section, taken on line T-'l of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7A is a horizontal section, taken on the broken line 'lA-1A of Fig. 3, with the tooth brush proper omitted in the interest of clearness.

Fig. 8 is a side view` of another form of the invention withthe head ofthe brush enclosed within the casing. The dot and dash lines show the position 40I" the single cover of the casing when it is fully opened. i

Fig. 9 is a front view of the structure shown in Fig. 8. 3 Y

Fig. 10 is a rear View of the structure shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a side` view of a third form of the invention, with the head of the brush enclosed within a modied form of casing. y d

Fig. 12 is a front View of the structure shown in Fig. 11, illustrating in dot` and dash linesthe position of the single cover when in fully opened position.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 11.

Referring first to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 7A, the reference character 30 designates a casing which is slidably mounted upon the tooth brush body 20 so that the casing may be moved from the position shown in Fig. 1, wherein it encloses the bristled head, to the position shown in Fig. 2, wherein it is supported on the handle of the brush. The brush Lbody 20 is of substantially conventional form. It comprises a handle 2| merging at one end into an integral head |2l in which are secured the usual bristle tufts 22. A hole 23 is formed near the free end of the handle so that the tooth brush and casing may be hung up as a unit in the usual manner. The handle and head are preferably of rectangular cross-section and the lateral edges of the handle and a portion of those of the brush head are preferably parallel. The handle may be either straight or slightly curved as desired. In the lateral edges of the handle andY about midway of its length are formed locking depressions 24 positioned transversely opposite one another.

The casing Sil comprises a body 3l the upper portion of which is adapted to surround and overlie the head or handle of the brush and eX- tend downwardly at its rear to provide a mounting for other elements of the casing. The rear portion of the body of the casing is substann tially solid and its forward vertical wall 22 constitutes the rear wall of the hollow interior or chamber in which the tooth brush head is housed when all of the elements of the casing' are assembled and closed over the head as shown in Fig. 3. in this solid rear portion of the body 3l is formed a longitudinal passage 3 corresponding in cross-section to the cross-section of the handle and having a sliding t therewith so that it forms a relatively long bearing in the casing for the brush body 2B. vllxtending forwardly along the under side of the top wall of the casing body from the vertical rear wall 22, is an inverted channel or slide d, formed in the under side of the top wall of the casing and the con tiguous upper portions of the side walls which are rigid with the top wall and, project downwardly for a short ,distance therefrom, being rabbeted in their outer surfaces as indicated at 3S in Figure 1. This channel embraces the upper surface and lateral edges of the tooth brush head or handle and conforms closely thereto so as to form a continuation of the bearing provided by the passage 43. The channel'll extends to forward end of the body of the Container and appears in Fig. 1. with a bearing for the handle for substantially the full length of the casing. If desired, however, ie channel iii may be either omitted entirely or .made so large as not to actually contact the brush body. In these latter cases, the opening at the forward end of the casing should be of a size substantially conforming to that of the passage 43 so as to form a bearing at this point when the casing is in retracted position on the handle. I

The major portions of the side, bottom and end walls of the casing, forwardly of the rear wall i22, are in the form of pivoted covers `32.". 32 which not only cover the sides and bottom of the bristles but also the-forward end thereof. These covers are mounted for pivotal movement on hinge pins 33 supported in the solid rear portion ofthe casing. The upper edges of the covers 32, 32 kare adapted to be received within the rabbets 3S formed in the lateral edges of the rigid upper portions of the side walls of the body 3l, so that, when the covers are closed, the outer faces of these walls will be ilush and the outer surfaces of the body will provide a smooth eXterior throughout. The contiguous edges of the covers are adapted to abut when in closed position, asshown in Fig. 1. to provide a closure of neat and pleasing appearance. The side walls of the covers may be provided with Ventilating holes 39.

The rea-r ends of each of the covers 32, 32 are provided with fiat finger pieces 35i which project beyond the hinge pins 33 and are housed within the recesses 37 formed within the lateral faces of the solid rear portion of the casing. The bases The casing thus is provided of these depressions in the opposite sides of the casing are connected by a passage or hole 35 containing a coiled compression spring 3S, the opposite ends of which bear against the inner surfaces of both finger pieces 34 and normally holdfthe covers in closed position, as shown best in Figure 7A. The inner faces of the finger pieces may be provided with protuberances |34 adapted to project into the opposite ends of the spring for the purpose of centralizing the latter.

Extending inwardly from the inner faces of the covers 32, 32 and near the forward ends thereof and close to their upper edges are symmetrically disposed locking projections 4I, fil. Openings 132, 42 in the rabbeted edges of the rigid upper portions of the side walls of the body Si provide clearances for the locking projections si, di. The end portions of the locking projections 4! Si are of shape and size complementary to those of the depressions 24, 24 in the sides of the brush handle 2l and are so located that they aline in all necessary respects for engagement with the depressions 24, 24 when the casing vSii is moved from the position of Fig. l to the position of Fig. 2. As shown in the drawing, the ends of the locking projections 4l, 4l are in the form of truncated pyramids although they may be of any other appropriate shape. They should, however, be complementary -to the depressions to properlyvinterit therewith. Twin locking depressions andvprojec'tions are shown but it is also possible to have only one locking projection and one coactive locking depression.

In Fig. 1 the casing 30 is shown with the bristled head |21 enclosed for protection between periods of use. The complete article may be suspended on a hook, utilizing the hole 23 in the end of the tooth brush body, if the user so desires, or the portion of the handle 2l which extends beyond the casing 3i) may be inserted in a slotted or other form of tooth brush rack in the conventional manner, so thatthe article is held with the casing 3B uppermost. However, it is not necessary to utilize such conventional methods of retention, since the entire unit, with the head of the tooth brush so protected by the casing, and with the casing also aiording protection for other objects against damage from moisture on the brush, may simply be placed on a shelf, tray or other suitable surface. It may also be carried in a handbag or other luggage. n

When the tooth brush is not in use, the parts are positioned as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. At.

such times the casing occupies a position at the forward end of the brush. The covers are closed and the interior of the casing is thus substantially sealed against the entrance of dirt or other extraneous matter so that the brush head is maintained inclean hygienic condition. The casing cannot move longitudinally of the brush because the bristles are between the end portions of the closed covers and the rigid rear Wall I22 of ie compartment in which they are housed. The locking projections 4I, 4| may also be made long enough to partially overlap the forward end or" the head and thus act as stops against rearward movement of the casing on the brush body.

When it is desired to employ the brush, the user applies the thumb and the foreflnger to the finger pieces 34' and by pressure thereon causes these finger pieces to be pressed into the recesses 3l, against the force or the spring 35. This causes the covers 32 to be swung outwardly on 22 thereof. This in turn releases the casing for sliding movement and permits it to be shifted along the brush head and handle to the position shown in Fig. 2, wherein the locking projections 4| of the respective covers will be alined withY the locking depressions 24 of the handle. If the nger pieces are then released, the locking projections will enter into said depressions 24 and lock the casing on the handle in the position shown in Fig. 2. No particular care need be exercised in registering the locking projections 4| with the handle depressions 24 for, if the linger pieces are released as the casing is moved rearwardly, these projections will simply ride along the lateral edges of the head and handle until they come to the handle depressions 24, whereupon the spring 3B will cause the projections to enter the handle depressions 24 and lock the casing in place on the handle. The tooth brush `may then be used in the usual manner.. When the casing is in this position it provides a handle of convenient shape and size to permit a com- 'fortable and firm grasp by the user, thus facilitating the brushing function. During this operation, the engagement of the elements of the casing 30 with each other and the brush handle 2| is such that the casing 3|) is rigidly braced on the handle 2| to withstand the stresses encountered when using the brush.

To return the casing to the position of Fig. 1, after use, the operations described are repeated except that the casing is moved to the left instead of to the right.

. The structure of this invention will permit of the detachment of the casing from` the tooth brush body when it is desired to replace a worn brush with a new one or to permit thorough cleansing of the interior of the casing. This separation of the parts may be accomplished by simply opening the covers and holding them open by pressure on the nger pieces 34 While the casing is slipped longitudinally on and oir the free end of the handle. The brush and casing may be reassembled by reversing this operation. Under normal conditions, the casing never leaves the brush. They are to all intents and purposes permanently associated with one another, the casing serving as an enclosure for the brush head when the brush is not in use and serving as a convenient grip for manipulating the brush when the latter is utilized to brush the teeth.

This invention should therefore not be confused with prior structures which serve simply as retainers for tooth brushes when not in use and from which the tooth brush must be completely removed when it is desired to use the brush. These latter structures have no relation to the present invention. Neither should this invention be confused with prior structures lwherein a tooth brush head is hinged with respect to a casing and is adapted to be hingedly moved into and out of the casing. In contradistinction, the present invention utilizes a tooth brush of substantially conventional form embodying a handle with an integral bristled head along which the casing is slidable in a long bearing for the purposes hereinbefore stated.

In the modied form of the invention shown in Figs. 8-10, the casing 30A is slidable longitudinally on the tooth brush body and it is locked in retracted position by the cover of the casing but in said iigures a single cover is employed in lieu of the two covers shown in the preceding gures. The tooth brush body, indicated at 20A, has a handle 2|A, a head |2|A, and bristle tufts 22A, as before, but in this instance a single locking depression 24A is formed in the under side of the handle. A hole 23A is formed in the end of the handle as in Fig. l. f

The body 3|A of the casing hasa solid rear portion while its `forward portion is hollow to provide a chamber or cavity for housing the head of the brush. This chamber is open at its bottom and forward end but is adapted to be; closed by a single pivoted cover 32A, mounted on a single hinge pin 33A and having a finger piece-34A. A spring 36A is seated in the hole 35A in the solid rear portion of the casingl and bears against the finger piece 34A to normally hold-the cover in closed position. The margins of the cover 32A are rabbeted at 44A to interfit with the edges of the side walls of the casing when the cover is closed and thus add'stiffness to the structure.`

The body of the casing is provided with a passage 43A through which the handle of the tooth brush is adapted to pass with a close sliding t and alined with the passage 43A is an inverted guidechannel 43A extending to the forward-end of the casing and through this channel the handle may pass when the casing is moved to the right in Figure 8. The freeend of the cover 32A is provided with a single locking projection 4|A. The side walls of theicasingare provided with Ventilating openings 38A.

When the brush is not in use the casing occupies the position shown in Fig.` 8 with the cover in the closed full line position therein indicated. When it is desired to use'the brush, the finger piece 34A is pressed causing the cover to be moved into the dot and dash line position of this gure, the recess 31A in the lower rear portion of the casing allowing full pivotal movement of the iinger piece to open the cover against the forceof the spring 36A. When the cover is thus opened, it is moved away from the brush head so that the casing may be shifted to the right in Figure 8 until the locking projection 4|A registers with the handle depression 24A, whereupon the projection enters the depression and locks the casing in place. After use, the cover is again opened and the casing moved to the leftin Figure 8 until it reaches the position shown in this figure. The cover is then released and automatically closed.

Another modied form of the invention is shown in Figs. 11-13. Here the casing is also slidably mounted on the tooth brush as before, the brush being constructed exactly as in Figs. l-7A except that a single locking depression 24B is provided in one lateral edge of the handle instead of in both lateral edgesas in Fig. 1. The cover 32B of the casing of Figs. 11-13 constitutes a portion of one side wallof the casing,I portions of the top and bottom walls and a portion of the end wall. This cover is provided with a single hinge pin 33B and it has a finger piece 34B. Spring 36B is seated in the hole 35B in the solid end of the casing and bearslagainst the nger piece to normally hold the cover in closed position. The upper portion of the solid rear end of the casing has a passage 43B with a forwardly extending alined channel 40B formed partially in the pivoted cover and in the opposite side wall which is rigid with the bodyI of the casing. A single locking projection 4|B projects from the free edge of the cover and is adapted for cooperation with the single locking depression 24B in the handle when the casing is moved along the handle of the brush. The recess 31B in the side of the solid portion of the container receives the nger piece 34B and permits it to open and close the cover 32B; The entire `casing'is indicated in these gures by `the reference character 39B while the handle, head and bristles of the brush bear the reference characters 2 I B, I2 IB, and 22B, respectively. 38B indicates the Ventilating openings Ain the cover and '23B thev suspension hole in the handle of the brush.

The cover is suiiiciently deep so that all rigid portions of the casing will clear the brush when the cover is opened and permit the movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush.

In all of the several embodiments of this invention illustrated the casing is locked through the interaction of its cover locking projections and the locking depressions in the handle. In the structure of Figs. 1 to '7A this locking is accomplished by the twin projections di. In Figs. 8 to 10 the single projection MA accomplishes this result, while in Figs. ll to 13, the projection 41B is utilized for the same purpose. All of these projections are shown in tooth-like form although they may not necessarily be of this particular shape. My concept is to have a detent or detents in the form of van appropriate projection or otherwise, carried by a single or two-part cover of the casing and operable to effect the locking operation when the cover is closed in a retracted position of the casing and the invention is to be so understood.

In the foregoing description I have shown and described a brush having a handle and head which are rectangular in cross-section, but these parts may be otherwise shaped without depart- Ving from the invention. I have also shown the handle and head of the brush as longitudinally straight. Some persons prefer a brush having the handle longitudinally curved or arcuate in shape. Such a brush may be used with the present invention, but in that case the upper Wall of the casing shouldvbe correspondingly curved and the guide passages and channels therein for the brush should be of like configuration.

The foregoing detailed description sets vforth the invention in its preferred practical form but the invention is to be understood as fully commensurate with the appended claims.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body comprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing having therein an elongated bearing embracing said body to maintain the body and casing in parallel relation and mount the casing for rectilinear sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing havingtherein a chamber to house the. bristled head and the chamber having a cover hinged to the casing and forming at least a part of one longitudinal wall of the casing and at least a part oi the end wall of the casing beyond the bristles, said cover being pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brushbody, the hinged cover or" the casing and handle having mutually interdependent locking devices adapted to intert with one another when in register to lock the casing to the handle when the brush is in use.

2. In a combined tooth brush and caslng; a brush body comprising a head and a handle 'the former of which is provided with bristles and the latter of which is provided with a locking depression, a casing having a straight through lij'aassagef extending longitudinally l therethrough "and'having a'sliding t with the brush body to 4hold the vcasing at vall times'in parallel relation to the brush bodyand guide the casing for ,rectilinear sliding movement longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses the bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and having a pivoted wall portion embodying parts of atleast two walls of said` chamber hinged to the remainder of the casing and pivotal into open position to permit the movement of the casing longitudinally .of the brush body, and a locking projection on thehinged wall portion of the chamber to en- "gage with the locking depression in the handle when brought into register therewith.

3 In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body comprising a head anda handle the former of which is provided with bristles and the latter of which is provided with a locking depression, a casing having a passage extending longitudinally thereof and having a sliding-nt with the brush body to hold the casing at all times in parallel relation to the brush body and guide the casing for rectilinear sliding movement longitudinally. of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses the bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and having a pivoted wall portion embodying parts of at least two walls of said chamber hinged to the remainder of the casing and pivotal into open position to permit the movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body, and. a locking projectionv on the hinged wall portion of the chamber to engage with the locking depression in the handle when brought into register therewith.

4. In a combined tooth brush and easing; a brush body comprising a bristled head land a handle, a casing mounted for sliding movement Von and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having vtherein a chamber to house the bristled head and the chamber having a cover hinged to the casing and pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body, the cover of the casing and the handle having mutually interdependent locking devices adapted to intert with one another when in'register to lock the casing to the handle when the `brush is in use, a nger piece carried by the cover, and a spring acting against said nger piece Vto normally maintain the cover in closed position.

5.In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body rcomprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, saidrcasing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and the chamber having a cover hinged to the casing and pivotal to open'position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body, the cover of the casing and the handle having mutually interdependent locking devices adapted to intert with one another when in register to lock the casing to the handle when the brush is in use, a nger piece carriedby the cover and positioned in a recess formed in the casing, and a spring within the recess and acting against the linger piece to normally maintain the cover in closed position.

6. In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body comprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and the chamber being normally closed at its opposite sides and at its bottom and forward end by a pair of complementary covers respectively hinged to the casing and pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body, and a locking projection carried by each cover and adapted to enter a locking depression formed in the corresponding edge of the handle when the casing is moved to register said projections and depressions.

7. In a, combined toothbrush and casing; a brush body comprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and the chamber being normally closed at its opposite sides and at its bottom and forward end by a pair of complementary covers respectively hinged to the casing and pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body, and a locking projection carried by each cover and adapted to enter a locking depression formed in the corresponding edge of the handle when the casing is moved to register said projections and depressions, each of said covers having a linger piece, and a spring interposed between the finger pieces of both covers to normally hold said covers in closed position.

8. In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body comprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing having therein an elongated bearing embracing said body to maintain the body and casing in parallel relation and mount the casing for rectilinear sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and. the chamber having a hinged cover forming the bottom of the chamber and the forward end wall thereof, said cover being hinged to the casing and pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body and the hinged cover having at its free end a locking projection adapted to engage and intert with a locking depression formed in the handle when the said projection and depression are brought into register.

9. In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body comprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and the chamber having a hinged cover 10 forming the bottom of the chamber and the forward end wall thereof, said cover being hinged to the casing and pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body and the cover having at its free end a locking projection adapted to engage and intert with a locking depression formed in the handle when the said projection and depression are brought into register, a finger piece on the cover, and a spring housed within the casing and bearing against the nger piece to normally hold the cover in closed position. i

10. In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body comprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and the chamber having a hinged cover forming one side wall of the chamber and portions of the top and bottom and one of the end walls thereof, said cover being hinged to the casing and pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing longitudinally of the brush body and the cover having a locking projection adapted to engage and intert with a lockingdepression formed in the handle when the said projection and depression are brought into register.

11. In a combined tooth brush and casing; a brush body comprising a bristled head and a handle, a casing mounted for sliding movement on and longitudinally of said body from a position wherein said casing encloses said bristled head to a position on the handle, said casing having therein a chamber to house the bristled head and the chamber having a hinged cover forming one side wall of the chamber and portions of the top and bottom and one of the end walls thereof, said cover being hinged to the casing and pivotal to open position to permit movement of the casing'longitudinally of the brush body and the cover having a locking projection adapted to engage and interiit with a locking depression formed in the handle when the said projection and depression are brought into register, a inger piece on the cover, and a spring housed within the casing and bearing against the linger piece to normally hold the cover in closed position.

HENRY E. CARLSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 832,981 Kennedy Oct. 9, 1906 1,503,134 Ryan July 29, 1924 1,586,488 Tollner May 25, 1926 1,960,807 Cole May 29, 1934 2,079,002 Loeschnigg May 4, 1937 2,112,658 Rathbun Mar. 129, 1938 2,275,549 Oshman et al Mar. 10, 1942 2,331,222 Oshman et al. Oct. 5, 1943 2,421,250 De Swart May 27, 1947 

